The Walk: Week 5 – Day 2 – “Character”

Week 5 – Day 2 – “Character”

Think about the passage we read earlier. In John 13 Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. This was an act of deep humility and care and servant-hood. Then he said this, verses 15-17: I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. He isn’t just talking about foot washing as a ritual but as a picture of a way of life. Verse 16: I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. There is no question that Jesus is saying: “imitate my lifestyle, live like I live.

But in what sense are we to live like Jesus? It’s clear that He doesn’t mean we should all wear robes and sandals or eat kosher, it’s deeper than that. He doesn’t mean we have to perform the same unique miracles or teach throngs of people, or make amazing personal claims like: I am the resurrection and the life, or I am the light of the world. It’s simpler than that. He is talking about your personal character, the way you live your life, the way you behave in this world.

Could it be that in one sense there is a danger in our worship of Jesus. He is worthy of our worship and we should worship him but the danger is that in worshipping him as God and Savior we so remove him from the way we view our lives and our human experience that we don’t consider him a viable or practical example of how we should live each day. But he is our example! He needs to be.

Take a moment to look at the following Scriptures. As you reflect on these Scriptures, jot down some of the ways in which you are to be like Jesus. But think about what it means and what it would look like. For instance if the verse says: “love the way Jesus loved” don’t just repeat that but prayerfully think about what it means. How did he love and therefore how should you love?

Jesus in John 13:34 says, ,A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Paul in Ephesians 5 says, “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her….”

Paul in Philippians 2:5 says, Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Peter in 1 Peter 2:21 says, to this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

John, in 1 John 2:6 Talks about resisting sin and obeying God in love and says, Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Are there other ways of living like Jesus that come to mind? If so jot them down below.

Continue reading the Bible. I want to keep the reading list for Scripture for this project relatively simple and easily assessable. If you finish John consider reading Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians or Luke. I’d recommend sticking to those books for the most part during “The Walk”. If you are really wanting to branch out consider asking the group or person you are doing The Walk with to make suggestions. The important thing is to try to be consistent in your reading. Write down your questions, thoughts and insights as you read. Don’t forget to review your memory verse from last week and this week

Larry Kirk

Larry is the senior pastor at Christ Community Church in Daytona Beach Florida and a resident adjunct professor of practical theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. Larry is committed to Reformed Theology that is Christ-centered, culturally relevant, biblical and missional. He's the husband of Connie and father of three sons; Alex, Adam and Aaron.